The Montreat College Commitment

At Montreat College, we are committed to providing our students with a high-quality education without excessive student loan debt. We understand that many college students and parents are concerned about student debt, and the Montreat College Commitment was created to help address those concerns.

The Montreat College Commitment (MCC) is a student loan repayment assistance program that helps Montreat graduates in entry-level positions to pay off their student loans.

All incoming Fall 2020 full-time first-time freshmen (excluding students pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity) in the School of Arts and Sciences qualify for the MCC. There are a limited number of spots available so it is recommended that you sign up early.

This is a free safety net offered by Montreat College at no cost to students or their families.

Once you are employed after graduation, if you earn less than $43,000 per year, we will help you repay your student (and Parent PLUS) loans until your annual income meets the $43,000 threshold or the loans are paid off.

Montreat College is the only college or university in North Carolina currently offering a loan repayment assistance program to all incoming Fall 2020 students.

A Comprehensive Commitment

The Montreat College Commitment is part of a larger strategy for limiting the student loan debt of our graduates.

Montreat College’s tuition is 25% lower than the national average for private colleges and universities.

99% of Montreat students receive institutional aid.

Montreat College graduates incur 45% less student loan debt than the national average for U.S. colleges and universities.

And for four years in a row, Montreat College has been ranked nationally among top colleges for the value of the education we provide for students in terms of educational quality, affordability, low student debt, and graduate earnings.

According to LendEDU’s 2019 report, Montreat College’s average student loan debt per borrower ranked the third lowest in the state of NC and lower than 90% of U.S. colleges and universities.

In 2018, U.S. News & World Report ranked Montreat College 2nd in North Carolina and 13th in the South for lowest student debt among regional universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the Montreat College Commitment work?

A: If an eligible Montreat College graduate works at least 30 hours per week and makes less than $43,000 a year, the Montreat College Commitment will help them repay their student loans until they reach that salary threshold. Graduates are responsible for making their monthly loan payments and then requesting a quarterly reimbursement.

Q: Who is eligible for the Montreat College Commitment?

A: All incoming Fall 2020 full-time first-time freshmen (excluding students pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity) in the School of Arts and Sciences are eligible for the Montreat College Commitment. To receive assistance, you must enroll in the program, then attend and graduate from Montreat College within six years. There are a limited number of spots available so it is recommended that you sign up early.

Q: How much does the Montreat College Commitment cost?

A: Montreat College provides the program benefit at no additional cost to students or their families.

Q: How do I enroll for the Montreat College Commitment?

A: All accepted Fall 2020 students will receive an official Montreat College Commitment award offer email from the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) Association. To confirm enrollment, students should simply respond to that email or go directly to myLRAP.org/montreat to view and accept their Montreat College Commitment award offer. LRAP representatives are available to answer questions by phone at 812.588.3885.

Q: Are graduates required to work a single full-time job in their intended career field to be eligible?

A: No. Graduates must work a combined total of 30 hours per week to be eligible for reimbursement. This work can be completed with a full-time job or with multiple part-time jobs in any career field.

Q: Are students eligible for the Montreat College Commitment if they continue on to graduate school or pursue international service?

A: Yes. Montreat College graduates are allowed to pause their eligibility while they pursue graduate school or up to three years of international work. Only undergraduate loans taken while studying at Montreat College are eligible for reimbursement under the Montreat College Commitment.

Q: Does the program encourage students to incur more debt?

A: No. The program is intended to allow students to borrow the amount they deem necessary to attend Montreat College while providing them with the freedom to pursue their desired vocational calling. Montreat remains committed to keeping the cost of tuition as low as possible. The Montreat College Commitment does not remove responsibility for repaying loans from the graduate; it simply serves as a safety net for graduates as they launch their careers.

Q: Does the program encourage graduates to avoid getting a job just to avoid repaying their student loans?

A: No. The program is a safety net for graduates as they launch their careers. Graduates have 18 months to find a job and must work at least 30 hours per week to be eligible for reimbursement. During that time they are still responsible for making their student loan payments.

Q: Does the program encourage graduates to keep their income level low to avoid repaying their student loans?

A: No. The purpose of the program is to empower students to pursue their vocational calling without the burden of debt dictating their degree choice during college or their career path after graduation.